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How Do I Use Alpha Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss?
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a highly-potent antioxidant that is available as a dietary supplement. Using alpha lipoic acid for weight loss is recommended as part of a balanced diet and adequate physical fitness regimen. The antioxidant works by stimulating the body's ability to convert food into energy and is water soluble. While there are no current recommendations on the daily amounts of this supplement to take, certain individuals should be cautious about using it.
When using alpha lipoic acid for weight loss, a normal dosage amount would be anywhere from 20 to 50 milligrams (mg). Pregnant or nursing women should not take the supplement since its effects on developing infants are unknown. Likewise, individuals with kidney or liver troubles should refrain from taking it. Diabetics and those on thyroid medications are advised to check with a medical professional before taking ALA.
Alpha lipoic acid may help reduce appetite, increase an individual's energy, and stimulate the metabolism by regulating insulin levels. It can help prevent weight gain, but should not be relied upon as a sole source of weight loss support. It is still important to decrease caloric intake and increase physical activity. Using ALA is not guaranteed to produce any visible results and instead usually ends up enhancing an individual's other weight loss efforts.
If an individual chooses to take this supplement, a standard or low dosage will typically suffice. It is not necessary to take more than one to two pills a day, usually with a meal. Some professionals recommend that it be taken with the first meal of the day and with a full glass of water.
Alpha lipoic acid can be taken with other natural supplements to enhance a person's weight loss efforts. Some of those supplements include l-carnitine, DMAE and coenzyme Q-10. Most of these natural vitamins and substances work by reducing inflammation and regulating blood sugar levels. They can also help increase metabolism and muscle tone through physical activity.
Side effects associated with using alpha lipoic acid include headaches, tingling, rashes, and muscle cramping. Some individuals develop hypoglycemia as a result of excessive intake, so it is important to monitor how the body responds to a normal dosage. When taking any natural supplement, it is also vital that an individual talk to a medical professional to avoid adverse reactions with prescription medications.
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![Using alpha lipoic acid for weight loss is recommended as part of a balanced diet and adequate physical fitness regimen.]()
By: ElenathewiseUsing alpha lipoic acid for weight loss is recommended as part of a balanced diet and adequate physical fitness regimen. -
![When ALA is taken as a supplement, blood glucose levels should be monitored to ensure hypoglycemia doesn't take place.]()
By: zothenWhen ALA is taken as a supplement, blood glucose levels should be monitored to ensure hypoglycemia doesn't take place. -
![Alpha lipoic acid is available as a dietary supplement.]()
By: milosducatiAlpha lipoic acid is available as a dietary supplement. -
![Cardiovascular exercise is essential for people who want to lose pounds and keep them off.]()
By: AntonioguillemCardiovascular exercise is essential for people who want to lose pounds and keep them off. -
![Heart palpitations may occur as a side effect of alpha lipoic acid.]()
By: Marin ConicHeart palpitations may occur as a side effect of alpha lipoic acid. -
![Side effects associated with alpha lipoic acid may include headaches.]()
By: tab62Side effects associated with alpha lipoic acid may include headaches. -
![It's important that people who lose weight do so gradually and safely.]()
By: LovrencgIt's important that people who lose weight do so gradually and safely. -
![Lipoic acid should be taken with the first meal of the day and with a full glass of water.]()
By: fotumLipoic acid should be taken with the first meal of the day and with a full glass of water. -
![Those with other health issues should talk to their doctor before using alpha lipoic acid for weight loss.]()
By: Ljupco SmokovskiThose with other health issues should talk to their doctor before using alpha lipoic acid for weight loss.
Discussion Comments
I started taking Alpha Lipoic Acid three weeks ago. My ENT doctor recommended it because of my chronic sinus infections and the Alpha Lipoic Acid is supposed to be a great antioxidant. I noticed something different in my body in about a week after starting it. I was eating a little less, not feeling as hungry, and losing just a few ounces without trying. I liked that feeling. I switched from the synthetic to the 100 percent alpha lipoic acid R, which I ordered on Amazon. At the end of my third week now, I have effortlessly lost four pounds. That's not a significant amount, but it's weight that is gone. I have tried everything out there on the market, and I think I have finally accidentally stumbled across something that works for me. I'm going to keep taking it for now. I have no side effects. I'm taking 300 mg twice a day.
I will say that in the beginning the very first thing I noticed when taking it was that I could tell my blood sugar was running a little low and I knew I needed to eat something, which resolved the feeling I was having. My body seems to have regulated to that now and I haven't had that feeling in a week. I am not a diabetic, although it's in my bloodlines, as both parents are insulin dependent.
I have done a lot of searching on the internet for people's stories about using the Alpha Lipoic Acid for weight loss and haven't had much luck with finding information. If you have a story to share with using Alpha Lipoic Acid for weight loss I would love to hear it.
@manykitties2 - From my experience with alpha lipoic acid you really need to stick with it and follow your doctor's orders to see results. I was taking ALA for a few months and I really feel like it boosted my results.
Though, you may want to stock up on pain killers as well. I got some really brutal headaches during the time I was taking ALA, but I think it was worth it overall. I lost about 30 pounds in total.
I think ALA works best with a full program. Diet and exercise are a must. Don't expect to just take ALA and loose lots of weight. You need to really try.
Has anyone successfully used alpha lipoic acid for their weight loss? Did you find it had any unpleasant side effects?
I have been struggling with my weight for years and would really like to drop a few pounds. I am already exercising and eating much better, but I feel like I need a bit more of a boost. I think that with a supplement I may be able to help myself go past one of the plateaus I have reached.
Also, with the alpha lipoic acid, did you find that it worked quickly, or did you really have to stick with it to see results?
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